SAVE MONEY, WIN A PRIZE! EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 19 - Hey there, VIP. This conference is going to be amazing because of you. Because email and Twitter can't replace conversations over cheesesteaks and stories shared walking from one distillery to the next. Collaboration is powerful and AFJ facilitates these opportunities at the national conference. Register today to receive the early bird rate of $375 per person for three days of programs designed to sharpen your skills and kindle your curiosity. This exceptional value includes a discount over the regular registration rate of $450, which goes into effect July 20. Early birds also receive automatic entry in the Visit Philadelphia + AFJ giveaway contest that includes a two-night hotel stay and $100 gift certificates to Starr Restaurants and GARCES . Save money and win a prize? Score.

BRINGING CANAL HOUSE TO YOU- Conference chair Maureen Fitzgerald, Philadelphia Inquirer Food Editor, secured Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer as the keynote speakers for this year's conference. The creative geniuses behind Canal House will be available for nine coaching sessions on Wednesday, Sept. 13. These first-come, first-served sessions fill quickly, often taken by our early bird registrants. Only seven coaching sessions are still available. Stay tuned for the summer newsletter feature on why Maureen sought out these media powerhouses for the AFJ conference. Here is the full agenda. Ready to register?

HOTEL INFORMATION - The Loews Philadelphia is our host hotel for the 2017 national conference. Insiders know that this is the place to stay in Philadelphia. The Loews will be home base for conference operations. Our early bird arrival meet and greet will take place Tuesday evening at Bank & Bourbon bar inside the hotel and registration occurs at the Loews Wednesday morning. Buses to offsite tours convene at the hotel. Don't miss the exclusive AFJ discounted rate of $199/night! Click here to register via the conference hotel registration site. A pop-up menu will appear, asking you to select your guest type. Choose "ATTENDEE" and proceed to make your reservation using this dedicated website. See you at the Loews!